Breaking: James Harden Torches NBA with Scoring Explosion in 2019, Bagging Third Consecutive Scoring Title!
In a stunning display of offensive prowess, Houston Rockets’ James Harden has dominated the NBA in 2019, scoring a league-best 36.1 points per game, ushering in his third straight scoring title and solidifying his status as one of the league’s all-time greats. Harden, who averaged a record 36.1 points per game, has rewritten the history books, with only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan boasting higher scoring averages in an NBA season. The Beard’s season got off to a slow start with just 18 points in the opener, but he swiftly turned things around, averaging at least 31.3 points per game for the rest of the year. Harden was virtually unstoppable in January, clocking an outrageous 43.6 points per game and dropping a career-high 61 points against the Knicks, one of his four 60-point games that season.
James Harden’s Historic 2019 Season: A Look Back at His Scoring Prowess and Future Trends
Harden’s 36.1 PPG in 2019: A Scoring Barrage for the Ages
James Harden, the NBA’s reigning scoring machine, hasn’t always been a prolific point-getter. But when he took the league by storm in the latter part of the 2010s, he did so in a way that few before him could match. In 2019, The Beard left the competition in the dust, averaging a staggering 36.1 points per game. This isn’t just an impressive statistic; it’s a historical milestone.
For some perspective, Harden’s 36.1 PPG places him seventh on the all-time scoring list. Sandwiched between two greats, Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, Harden’s season was nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at what made his 2019 season so remarkable.
Harden’s Historic January: A Month to Remember
Harden’s 2019 season started with a modest 18-point outing against the Pelicans, but he quickly made up for it, pouring in 36 points the very next game. This set the tone for a scoring barrage that would last the entire season. But one month stood out above the rest: January.
In 14 January games, Harden averaged a mind-boggling 43.6 points per game. He scored at least 32 points in every contest and had eight games with at least 40 points. But it didn’t stop there. Harden dropped two 50-point games and, remarkably, a career-high 61 points against the Knicks on January 23.
To put that performance into context, Harden’s 61-point effort ranks among the best offensive showings in the league since 2010. It was the third-highest total in that span, behind only Carmelo Anthony’s 62 points against the Hornets in 2014 and Devin Booker’s 70-point game against the Celtics in 2017. And guess who had two of the 13 60-point games between 2010 and 2020? That’s right, James Harden.
Harden: More Than Just a Scorer
Harden wasn’t just a one-trick pony in 2019. He contributed across the board, averaging 7.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and an impressive 2.0 steals per game. That last stat is particularly notable, as Harden ranked second in the league in steals, behind only Paul George.
Such a well-rounded performance earned Harden significant accolades. He was an All-Star, a First Team All-NBA honoree, and although he fell just short of repeating as KIA NBA MVP, his runner-up finish behind Giannis Antetokounmpo was nothing to scoff at.
Did You Know?
Harden’s 2019 Season in Numbers:
- 36.1 PPG (7th all-time)
- 7.5 APG (led the league)
- 6.6 RPG
- 2.0 SPG (2nd in the NBA)
- 58.2% FT% (career-low but still 9th in the league)
Future Trends: Can Harden Repeat His 2019 Form?
Harden’s 2019 season was, in a word, astonishing. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: can he repeat it? With the ever-increasing pace of the game and the league’s shift towards positionless basketball, scoring at an elite level like Harden did in 2019 might be more challenging than ever.
However, Harden is nothing if not adaptable. He’s proven time and time again that he’s capable of evolution. So, while matching his 2019 totals might be difficult, don’t be surprised if The Beard continues to redefine what’s possible at the offensive end of the floor.
FAQs
Harden’s highest scoring game in 2019 was a 61-point performance against the Knicks on January 23.
How did James Harden’s 2019 season stack up against other great scoring seasons?
Harden’s 36.1 PPG in 2019 ranks 7th all-time, behind only Wilt Chamberlain (50.4 PPG in 1961-62) and six Michael Jordan seasons (between 57.1 PPG in 1986-87 and 37.1 PPG in 1987-88).
Call to Action
Now that you’ve seen what made James Harden’s 2019 season so special, it’s time to sound off. What was your favorite moment from Harden’s historic scoring campaign? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to explore more of our NBA content right here on 247Sports!
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